The United Kingdom is preparing to introduce new laws to make the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the sexual exploitation of children illegal. The UK is to become the first country in the world to criminalize the creation, possession, and distribution of AI-generated child abuse images and videos, according to the Home Office, as a move aimed at protecting children.
Under these new laws, violators of the rules could face five to ten years in prison. The government will ensure online child safety by amending its laws to address new threats, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said.
The websites hosting such illegal content will also be blocked, and the authorities will be empowered to inspect and unlock digital devices of individuals suspected of a risk to children when they come to the UK. These include individuals carrying AI-generated child abuse material that could potentially harm children abroad. The government has also expressed concern with the use of AI-generated images for blackmail and further exploitation of victims.
According to the National Crime Agency, there are about 800 arrests every month related to online child exploitation. The new measures are part of the Crime and Policing Bill, which is expected to be introduced in Parliament in the coming weeks.